Chiefs activate Tamba Hali, who will start practice this week

The Chiefs took the first step toward getting outside linebacker Tamba Hali ready for their season opener Sept. 11 against San Diego, activating the 11-year veteran from the physically unable to perform list Monday.

The Chiefs have gone to great lengths to rest Hali, who has played the last few seasons on balky knees. After undergoing a knee scope during the offseason, he missed the team’s three-week training camp in St. Joseph, which ended Thursday. He also sat out most of the Chiefs’ practices last season.

The reduced workload seemed to help Hali, who recorded 48 tackles and 6 1/2 sacks while reaching the Pro Bowl for the fifth consecutive season.

The Chiefs felt good enough about Hali’s future that they rewarded him with a three-year, $22 million free-agent contract this offseason.